Sexual identity group can’t get space at SPU (Falcon)

A Seattle Pacific University group dedicated to discussing gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer issues is feeling disembodied.

The student group, called Haven, has been “defined out of existence,” according to the SPU Falcon. It seems that since Haven hasn’t been granted the status of an official club, it can’t reserve meeting spaces at the school anymore.

They are still allowed to meet informally and unofficially in public spaces, such as Weter Lounge. Yet, senior Haven co-leader Becky Jennings said the personal nature of Haven discussions necessitates privacy.

“Since our main goal is to be a safe place for discussion on campus, when we don’t have a safe place that is our own, it compromises our ability to be a safe space,” Jennings said.

Haven isn’t the only student group denied official club status at SPU. To become official, groups have to apply and become registered to receive use of some school facilities or student-government funding.

Still, Haven’s plight is causing controversy on the SPU campus. The group tried for a year to obtain club status, according to the Falcon.